England have named a 17-player squad for the upcoming Ashes starting in Canberra on 27th January.
The Ashes is a multi-format series where England will face current holders Australia in a single Test followed by three T20s and three ODIs.
England last won the Ashes in 2014 under the captaincy of Charlotte Edwards winning 10-8 down under.
Lisa Keightley has selected both Charlie Dean and Maia Bouchier to join the centrally contracted 15.
Charlie Dean’s impressive 2021 campaign is rewarded with yet another opportunity in the senior side. Dean starred in five ODIs against New Zealand in September where the off-spinner took 10 wickets with best figures of 4-35.
Dean is joined by Southern Vipers regional teammate Maia Bouchier, whose stellar 2021 saw her awarded with a maiden WBBL contract for the Melbourne Stars.
Tash Farrant will look to make her first appearance since regaining her central contract announced at the end of November.
Alongside the group of 17, a squad of 12 England A players has also been selected. In the mix, 2017 World Cup winner Beth Langston brings experience alongside the only centrally contracted player in the A side Georgia Elwiss and the formerly contracted Kirstie Gordon.
Eve Jones deservedly earns her spot and brings a wealth of domestic experience to the side with her most recent exploits in the WBBL making her difficult to ignore.
Marked as a future international superstar, 17-year-old Alice Capsey will certainly be one to watch after lighting up this summer’s Hundred competition.
Head Coach Lisa Keightley said;
"It's always exciting to head to Australia to take on the challenge of winning the Ashes and we're really looking forward to going out there and making some memories as a team. "This is the first time we've taken an England Women's A squad alongside the senior team, which is a big step forward for us. It gives us great depth, and provides so much competition for places. It's also an invaluable development opportunity for those players pushing for senior selection.
"Similarly, it's also a good chance to get more 50-over cricket under our belts ahead of our defence of the ICC Women's World Cup in New Zealand. "We've got a nice blend of experienced pros and youngsters, and it's a trip we've been preparing for since the end of our summer. A multi-format series is a great test of all our skills, and we can't wait to get out there.
England Women's Ashes squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Katherine Brunt, Kate Cross, Freya Davies, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Tash Farrant, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Mady Villiers, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Danni Wyatt
England A squad: Emily Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Alice Davidson-Richards, Georgia Elwiss, Kirstie Gordon, Eve Jones, Beth Langston, Emma Lamb, Bryony Smith, Ellie Threlkeld, Issy Wong
You can listen to five of the A squad on the podcast available on Youtube.
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